Upcoming Events and Entertainment (beginning Jan. 25)

Thursday

Jan 16, 2014 at 12:01 AMJan 16, 2014 at 12:23 PM

All area codes are 850 unless specified.

Fashion show/luncheon: Caring & Sharing will have a fashion show and luncheon, “Let the Good Times Roll,” from 2-4 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Linkside Conference Center in Sandestin. Tickets are $25 at 267-2866. Proceeds to support the food pantry.

Books and blooms: The Green Thumb Garden Club and the Friends of the Walton County Coastal Branch Library present Books and Blooms Jan. 25 at the Library with more than 30 flower arrangements centered around book titles. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Magnolia House on Grand Boulevard, Hick's Nursery and at the door. A silent auction and raffle will also be held with proceeds benefitting the Library.

Music concert: AnAmericana Under the Oaks Music Concert with Beaucoup Blue will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. Jan. 25 in the Lodge at Camp Helen State Park, 23937 P C Beach Parkway in Panama City Beach. Free admission into the park. Donations accepted.. Refreshments available. Call 233-5059.

• Feb. 6: Certified master bird bander Fred Bassett presents Alabama and Florida Hummingbirds, a Lot More Than You Think, at the monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. in Room 13 on the ground floor of the Student Services Center at NWFSC Niceville campus. Light refreshments will be served. Call 582-7064.

• Feb. 8: Learn about wintering shorebirds with ornithologist Alan Knothe on a bird walk at Okaloosa Island’s East Pass and Gulf Beach adjacent to the West Jetty. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the parking area on the south side of U.S. 98 adjacent to the western end of the Destin Bridge. Call 862-3498.

Florida Trail Association: A six-mile hike from the Alabama state line to Hurricane Lake at 8 a.m. Jan. 25. Call 682-6098.

• Jan. 28: Meeting at 6 p.m. at Rocky Bayou Country Club in Niceville. RSVP meal selections by Sunday before meeting. Call 654-1172.

Topsail tour: Through various bones, shells and seeds learn what type of creatures can be found from 2-3 p.m. Jan. 25 at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach. A park entrance fee is required. Call 267-8330. Call 267-8330.

Americana Under The Stars: Beaucoup Blue performs from 6-8 p.m. Jan. 23 in the amphitheater at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach. Bring a chair and beverage. Free admission into park and a suggested donation of $5 goes to the Friends of Topsail Hill.

Board of County Commissioners: The Walton County Board of County Commissioners will hold a special meeting and a closed executive session at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 28 at the Walton County Courthouse, 571 US Hwy. 90 East in DeFuniak Springs.

Job fair: The Hartley Restaurant Group needs experienced service industry professionals to work in its restaurants along scenic Hwy. 30A — George’s at Alys Beach, La Cocina Mexican Grill and Bar in Seacrest Beach, and Seagrove Village Market Café. To apply, bring a current resume to La Cocina from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 4-6 p.m. Jan. 28 and Jan. 29. Positions include servers, bartenders, kitchen staff, host/hostess, expeditors, food runners and bussers. Call 865-0749.

Fundraiser: Journey back in time at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center during United Way’s “A Night in the 40’s,” a dance, dinner and silent auction fundraiser. Big Band tunes from DownBeat and a dance highlight the event. Dress in 40’s style, optional. Tickets are $100/person or $900/table for 10 at www.united-way.org.

Cancer Freeze: A day long fundraiser for Cancer Freeze, which helps Northwest Florida people battling cancer, begins at 7 a.m. Feb. 1 at Lake Jackson in Florala, Ala., with a Bass Tournament and Pancake Breakfast. A 5k run/walk begins at 9 a.m. followed by chili cook-off at 11. Water events begin at noon and an auction/raffle at 1. Live entertainment and activities for children all day.

TDC: Walton County Tourist Development will meet at 9 a.m. Feb. 4 at the South Walton Courthouse Annex Boardroom.

Office hours: Walton County District 4 County Commissioner Sara Comander will hold office hours beginning at 9 a.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the South Walton Annex. To schedule an appointment, call 835-4834.

Gardeners’ Lecture Series: The Walton County Master Gardeners’ Lecture Series resumes from 10-11:30 a.m. Feb. 5 at Padgett Park, 810 JD Miller Road in Santa Rosa Beach. MaryAnn Friedman will present a photographic argument for the need to “save a place” for butterflies and other native pollinators. Light refreshments will be served. Reserve a seat at 892-8172. Soil testing supplies and instruction will be available for $8.

Dinner and a Movie: A full length classic movie shown on the courtyard wall while a four-course prix fixe dinner, inspired by the movie My Cousin Vinny, is served from 6:30-10 p.m. Feb. 5 at Edward’s Fine Food & Wine, 66 Main St. in Rosemary Beach. Cost is $70+ tax. Call 231-0550 or email info@edwards30a.com for tickets.

• Feb. 19: Godfather II

Mattie Kelly Arts Center: New national and touring events on the 2014 schedule for the Mattie Kelly Arts Center at the Niceville campus of Northwest Florida State College begin at 7:30 p.m. in the mainstage theater.

• Feb. 5: Direct from Branson, the Acrobats of China.

• Feb. 12: The world famous Glen Miller Orchestra appears in concert to benefit the Niceville High School Band program.

• Feb. 28: “Generations: A Collection of Black American Music,” a regionally produced production, will be held during Black History Month.

• March 21: The national tour of the phenomenal “Lady Smith Black Mambazo” to benefit public broadcasting affiliate WUWF.

National touring Broadway shows include “Bring it On: The Musical” on Jan. 23 and the Tony Award winning “Memphis: The Musical” on Feb. 22, as well as the Las Vegas concert event “The Rat Pack Is Back” on March 8 to benefit the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra.

Teen Driver Challenge: The Walton County Sheriff’s Office offers a free course designed to help teens ages 15-19 boost their driving skills and lessen the chances of being involved in a crash from 5-9 p.m. Feb. 7 at Walton High School in DeFuniak Springs. Driving portion will be at 8 a.m. Feb. 8 at the Walton County Fairgrounds, 790 North Hwy. 83, DeFuniak Springs. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Must have a valid Learner’s Permit/Florida Operators License for at least 6 months and provide own car. A current copy of a driver license, vehicle registration and insurance is required. Register by Feb. 3 with School Resource Deputy.

Glenn Miller Orchestra: The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will perform at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Mattie Kellie Arts Center, 100 College Blvd. in Niceville. Tickets are $20. Advance tickets are available at the Mattie Kelly Arts Box office, www.mattiekellyartscenter.org or call 729-6000 or 888-838-2737. This event is sponsored by the Niceville High School Band Program, and the NHS Big Band Jazz ensemble perform a song with the orchestra.

Sinfonia Gulf Coast: The eighth year of programming for Sinfonia Gulf Coast presents the orchestra and world-renowned guest artists. Season tickets which feature premier seating, including gala table seating, for all five concerts are on sale for $265 each. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit www.SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or call 850-269-7129.

Quilt show: “Quilting: Our Roots & Our Wings” features quilts made by members of the Chautauqua Quilters Guild, Inc. and Holmes Valley Quilters from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 21 and 22 at the DeFuniak Springs Community Center. Admission is $5. There will be several vendors, demos, antique quilts, an Opportunity quilt, door prizes and more. Call 585-2796.

Baytowne on Ice: The seasonal ice skating rink at The Village of Baytowne Wharf is open through Feb. 2. Skate for an hour and a half for $11 with skate rental $2. Other packages available. The first hour of each day is reserved for “kids skate,” youth 12 and under. Visit http://www.baytownewharf.com/event_details.asp?event=6 for hours.

Ballet Class: Good News UMC in Santa Rosa Beach offers both beginner and advanced ballet classes for children beginning at age 2 1/2. Call 699-6030 or email dayna@goodnewsumc.net for times and information.

Senior health: Emerald Coast Hospice will host a Senior Health Education Hour from 2-3 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at the South Walton County Library, 437 Greenway Trail in Santa Rosa Beach.

Support group: A Bereavement Support Group, hosted by Emerald Coast Hospice, will be held from 1-2 p.m. Tuesdays at Christ the King Episcopal Church, 480N County Hwy. 393 in Santa Rosa Beach.

Sunday Brunch: Enjoy bottomless champagne and mimosas for brunchers with live music from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays at Grayton Bar and Grill, 170 E. County Hwy. 30A in Santa Rosa Beach.

Artist Bazaar: Artists at Gulf Place presents its Artist Bazaar from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays at Artists at Gulf Place green in the center of the Gulf Place loop. Bazaar features local artists, craftspeople and artisan vendors, interactive activities for children, and a free hot dog for those who make a purchase. Visit www.30aArtistBazaar.com to become a vendor.

Beach Service: Worship at the beach with Hope Lutheran Church at 8 a.m. at Ed Walline Beach Access across from Gulf Place on Scenic Hwy. 30A in Santa Rosa Beach. Bring a towel, chair, or stand on the boardwalk. The service will be held at the church’s U.S. 98 campus during inclement weather and if the temperature is below 50 degrees. Call 267-0322.

30A Farmers’ Market: This community event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays in Town Center in Rosemary Beach features fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey, cheese and more. Market is held on Thursdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

First Saturday at Biophilia: From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the first Saturday of the month will be “Eco-Fun” at Biophilia Center with multiple presenters and family-friendly activities and entertainment. Included will be nature hikes, arts and crafts, games, animal adventures, and exhibits.

Ashley Rose: Jam with the music of Ashley Rose at 9 p.m. Fridays at Cabana Café, 112 Seascape Blvd. in Miramar Beach.

Gulf Place Farmer’s Market: Pick up fresh produce from The Produce Gal from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at Gulf Place Farmer’s Market, in Gulf Place Town Center by Restaurant Fire.

Redd sings: Enjoy dinner and a show with Redd the Singing Bartender at 6:30 p.m. (early show) and 8 p.m. (later show) on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at Redd’s Fueling Station, 2320 W. County Hwy. 30A in Santa Rosa Beach. Reservations recommended for parties of 4 or more at 325-0252.

Open Mic Night: An open mic night for singer/songwriters for local talent and seasoned musicians will be held from 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays at Redd’s Fueling Station, 2320 W. Scenic Hwy. 30A in Santa Rosa Beach. Arrive at 6:30 p.m. to sign up

Nature walk: Take a walk in nature with wildlife expert and ecologist Joe Wyatt at 9 a.m. the first Saturday of each month at Hammock Bay, west of Freeport. Suitable for all ages. The trail system includes a bat house, purple martin houses, many bluebird houses, a wood duck house, a butterfly house and more. Call 496-1864.

Ike’s Fun Tuesday: An evening of great music, sax, keyboard and dancing is held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Marie’s Bistro, 2260 W. Hwy. 30A in Blue Mountain Beach.

History walk: Learn about the early history of the park and local area at Camp Helen State Park’s history walk from 10-10:45 a.m. the first Saturday of each month. The tour is free with paid park admission fee of $4 per vehicle. Call 233-5059.

Blue Ribbon Healers: Enjoy the music of the Blue Ribbon Healers every Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Seaside Farmers Market in the Seaside Amphitheater.

Beach Bonfires: Enjoy the outdoors with bonfires from dusk to 9:30 p.m. Friday on the beach at Baytowne Marina in Sandestin. Call 267-7778.

Pajama Time Story Time: Join storyteller Ms. Cheryl at 6 p.m. every Monday in the children’s room of the Coastal Library for some bedtime stories in your pajamas. This will be a quiet time for little readers to relax to a bedtime story in the comfort of their caretaker’s arms. Call 267-2809.

Baby Boot Camp: Boot Camp in Santa Rosa Beach offers a 55-minute workout designed specifically to help new and seasoned moms with stroller-age children get back into shape after having a baby at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday mornings and at 5:45 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Amateur Radio Club: The Chautauqua Amateur Radio Club of DeFuniak Springs/Walton County meets at 6:30 p.m. the last Tuesday of every month at McLean’s Restaurant near I10 and 331 South. This club welcomes new and old Ham Radio operators. There are no business meetings on these Tuesdays. We have classes and a great time together. Call 892-2562 or email kj4jah@arrl.net.

Rotary Club of South Walton: The Rotary Club of South Walton meets for breakfast at 7:30 a.m. each Thursday morning at the Embassy Suites, Scenic Hwy. 98 in Miramar Beach. Visiting Rotarians and their guests are welcome. Call 267-2929.

Herman Lodge: Herman Lodge #108 Free and Accepted Masons will meet at 7 p.m. first and third Tuesdays of each month on Madison Street in Freeport. Call 835-2314.

Eastern Star: The Order of the Eastern Star #281 meets at 7:30 p.m. the first and third Fridays of each month at Herman Lodge on Madison Street in Freeport. Call 835-2314.

SHRM Chapter: A Society of Human Resource Management Chapter in Walton County will meet at 8 a.m. the first Thursday of the month at TJ’s Table in Freeport. The group is open to all individuals involved in any aspect of human resources. Email rpazik@jobsplus02.com or call 892-8668, ext. 215.

Town Planters: The Town Planters of Freeport will meet at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at the Blount House on Kylea Laird Road. Call 835-5611.

Saturday Pool Party: Music, fun and sun from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Elephant Walk pool deck by the beach, 4009 South Sandestin Blvd. in Miramar Beach. Beverages available for sale at the Tiki hut. Call 267-7778.

SEC Sailgate Party: An outside “tailgate” party, including the Broadcast of NCAA and NFL evening football games, from 4-9 p.m. at Baytowne Marina in Sandestin. Regular kitchen menu available or cookout/ grill outside from 4-9 p.m., weather permitting.

Sunday Brunch: Enjoy bottomless champagne and mimosas for brunch with live music from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays at Grayton Bar and Grill, 170 E. County Hwy. 30A in Santa Rosa Beach.